Just...Relax

Just...Relax

Posted on Nov 7, 2012

Feeling stressed? Here is a simple relaxation technique, provided by Lisa Cavallaro, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist who runs the CHANGE (Cardiovascular Health Achieved through Nutrition, Guidance and Exercise) program for the Torrance Memorial Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute. It just takes a few minutes out of your day, at home or in your offi ce. And by slowing your heart rate, slowing your breathing and increasing your blood flow, you can help decrease not only stress but also anxiety and depression.

Sit in a comfortable position, with your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths and imagine sitting by a stream, watching as the water slowly moves by. Floating on top of the water are leaves; imagine these leaves represent your thoughts or feelings of stress and tension. As the leaves float by, imagine your stress is being carried away, while you let go of the thoughts or feelings.